Another red flag of nursing home negligence is poor hygiene or an unkempt appearance. Residents should receive assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming as needed. If your loved one appears dirty, has matted hair, or is wearing soiled clothes or bedding, this may signal neglect. Proper hygiene is essential for preventing infections and maintaining dignity, so any lapse in cleanliness should be taken seriously.
3. Weight Loss or Malnutrition
Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or signs of malnutrition are all concerning signs of neglect in a nursing home. Poor diet, lack of assistance with feeding, or not getting enough fluids can cause rapid health declines. If you notice your loved one is losing weight quickly or seems weak and fatigued, it’s important to ask about their meal schedules and nutrition, as well as observe the care they’re receiving during meal times.
4. Behavioral Changes or Withdrawal
Nursing home residents may experience emotional or psychological changes due to neglect. If your loved one becomes unusually withdrawn, anxious, depressed, or fearful, it could be a sign of emotional neglect or abuse. Depression, anxiety, and mood swings may result from a lack of social interaction, isolation, or mistreatment. Pay attention to any drastic changes in behavior, as these can be indicators that something is wrong.
5. Unanswered Calls or Lack of Communication
Communication between the family and nursing home staff is essential. If you’re finding it difficult to get in touch with anyone or your questions go unanswered, it’s a problem. Whether it’s delayed responses or no responses at all, this lack of communication can point to issues within the facility. Nursing homes should be transparent and communicative, especially when it comes to your loved one’s health.
6. Soiled or Unchanged Bedding
If you visit your loved one’s room and notice soiled bedding or clothes, it’s a clear sign of neglect. Nursing home staff is responsible for ensuring that residents are changed and cleaned regularly. Failing to change soiled diapers, bedding, or clothing can lead to infections, discomfort, and emotional distress. The presence of unclean or unsanitary living conditions is a significant warning sign.
7. Inadequate Staffing Levels
Nursing home negligence can also stem from inadequate staffing levels. If there are not enough staff members to care for the residents properly, it can result in neglect. Staff may be overworked and unable to attend to residents’ needs in a timely manner. If you notice long delays in receiving help or care, or if the staff seems overwhelmed, this could be an indication that the nursing home is not adequately staffed to meet the needs of its residents.
8. Frequent Hospital Visits
If your loved one is making frequent trips to the hospital for conditions that could have been treated in the nursing home, it’s a sign of possible neglect. Infections, untreated wounds, or undiagnosed medical conditions that require hospitalization could have been avoided with proper care. These repeated hospital visits often indicate that the nursing home is failing to provide the proper medical attention.
9. Staff or Resident Complaints
Another indicator of nursing home negligence is hearing complaints from staff or other residents. If employees seem dissatisfied, overworked, or mention that they’re unable to provide adequate care, this may indicate deeper systemic issues within the facility. Additionally, residents may complain about feeling neglected or mistreated. Pay attention to any complaints you hear and consider them as potential signs of a larger problem.
10. Lack of Medical Care or Medication Errors
Medical neglect can occur if staff fail to provide necessary medical care or make errors in administering medication. If your loved one is not receiving the proper medications on time, or if there are inconsistencies in their medical treatment, it could result in serious harm. Medication errors, such as administering the wrong dosage or forgetting to give medication altogether, are signs of nursing home negligence that should never be ignored.
If you suspect nursing home negligence, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your loved one’s health and safety. The Law Offices of Janice Maloney in San Antonio, TX, has over 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of individuals affected by nursing home abuse and neglect. If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Call
(210) 735-2233 to discuss your case today.
